Can Someone Really Change?

In the spirit of the New Year and the idea of change, I decided to write this blog about people being able to change. I have always asked myself this question: Can a person ever really change? A little while ago, I was watching a video about pregnancy and childbirth, and I learned an interesting fact. In the womb, at the time of conception, we are predestined to what type of personalities and traits we will possess after we are born. This really blew my mind! It’s essentially as if we don’t have 100% control over ourselves. Or do we?  As we grow up, we learn certain types of behaviors from our surroundings, such as our parents, our friends, our communities. And we carry those attitudes throughout life. But say you wake up one day and tell yourself that you don’t want to have a certain trait anymore that you have had for years. Let’s say you don’t want to be so uptight anymore. And you tell yourself that from this day forward blowing a short fuse will no longer be an option. Will you change? Can you change? My opinion is that people can change; however, the catch is, only if they want to. Using my example, a person would have to recognize their short fuse and make a conscious effort to change their attitude. I don’t think a person can change their personality because that was chosen for them already, but you can change your behaviors and habits. But it takes determination, the will, and a lot of work. So, for this New Year, set goals of positive change, and enjoy the process of recognizing the habit and then working through it. How rewarding!